The previous operator stepped down and handed the keys to the facility to the town of Apple Valley Sept. 30, citing personal reasons, said town spokeswoman Kathie Martin.

"There were a number of people that put their names in the hat to take over operations," Martin said. "Bill Ryan was selected for his extensive knowledge of the sport, and familiarity with BMX tracks nationwide as well as the two main sanctioning bodies."

On Thursday Ryan signed with the American Bicycle Association sanctioning body, which will provide insurance for the 1,100-foot BMX track.

"Local pros Kris Fox and Mikey Brabandt have come up with a great track layout that will not only make it the premiere pro track in Southern California, but will also allow all the younger riders a place to race and ride," Ryan said.

Ryan had plans to open the track immediately to the public, but has had trouble finding a private insurance that the organization can afford.

Under the ABA insurance, individual riders must purchase a $45 annual ABA membership fee, 30-day $35 trial or do a oneday trial for free. In the future, Ryan said he hopes to secure private insurance that will allow the the public to use the park without an ABA membership.

The facility is expected to eventually feature a dirt jump course and a mountain-bike 4x course, which is similar to BMX but on a 26-inch mountain bike, except the track must first secure private insurance for those additions.

"These additional amenities will require separate insurance, and so far we have been unsuccessful in finding outside insurance at a rate that would allow us to keep costs reasonable for public participation," Martin said. "Those efforts are ongoing, however."

For day-to-day operations, Ryan has enlisted the help of Lavonne Sennett, former track operator of O range Show BMX track in San Bernardino, and Amanda and Joe Shrader of Hesperia, who participate in BMX along with their children.

"This is a great sport. Anybody - age 2 to 60 - that can ride their bicycle without training wheels can do it," Sennett said. "The whole family can have a great afternoon of good, clean fun."

Amanda Shrader said she expects the community to welcome the updates to the 20-yearold track, which she hopes to open Dec. 16.

"Before, it was a good facility, but it's going to be a completely transformed track," Amanda Shrader said. "The kids should be ready to meet some challenges."